FOLLOW HOCKEY INSIDER

Francis contract terminated by Hurricanes

Carolina president Don Waddell has been leading the search for a new general manager, who will report directly to owner Tom Dundon.

The Hurricanes went 36-35-11 this season, and finished 14 points behind the New Jersey Devils for the second wild card into the Stanley Cup Playoffs from the Eastern Conference. It was the ninth straight season Carolina has missed the postseason, and 11th time in 12 seasons since winning the Stanley Cup in 2006.

Bill Peters resigned as Hurricanes coach April 20. He was hired to coach the Calgary Flames three days later.

Francis spent 16 of his 23 NHL seasons with the Hurricanes/Hartford Whalers, and is the franchise leader in goals (382), assists (793) and points (1,175). He retired as an NHL player before the 2005-06 season and was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2007.

Joe Nieuwendyk also resigned as Hurricanes pro scout and adviser. He had 1,126 points (564 goals, 562 assists) in 1,257 NHL games and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.